Lightning

Yubico has unveiled its new YubiKey 5Ci, a product it claims is the first-ever security key to feature both Lightning and USB-C connectors. The device is aimed at simplifying the use of security keys by enabling consumers to carry around a single dongle that supports all of their devices -- in this case, an iPhone, for example, alongside a tablet or laptop that features USB-C.

Apple has always discouraged the use of third-party accessories, especially those that have not been certified for its devices. Its argument has always been on the safety of devices, especially lightning cables that charge iPhones and carry data to and from the mobile device. Now it might have yet another reason to discourage such accessories as a hacker just proved how relatively easy it is to modify a Lightning cable to turn it into a tool for remotely hacking Macs.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has disclosed a new product recall involving one type of Heyday-branded Lightning cables that was sold by retailer Target. Around 90,000 of these cables are covered by the recall, which cites reports of sparking, fires, heating, and smoking from more than a dozen cable owners. Not all Heyday Lightning cables are covered by the recall, however.

For years now, Apple has relied on its proprietary Lightning connector for iPhone and iPad charging, but when the company started shipping modern MacBooks that support USB-C, that led to a lot of speculation that Apple's mobile devices were next. In the case of the iPad, that turned out to be true, as the latest iPad Pro features charging and over USB-C. That leaves the iPhone as the next in line for a USB-C makeover, but a new report suggests that such a change won't be coming anytime soon.

V-MODA has launched its new SpeakEasy DAC/AMP Lightning cable, a cord featuring a built-in amplifier and digital-to-analog converter technology, offering users access to top tier audio quality over a wired connection. Apple notoriously removed the iPhone headphone jack in the relatively recent past, leaving users with Bluetooth or a Lightning audio cable as their only options.

Mophie has launched its new Powerstation with Lightning Connector, a 5050mAh external battery featuring both USB-A ports and Apple's Lightning port. With this, Apple users can charge the battery using the same Lightning cable they use with their iPhone, iPad, and AirPods. The Powerstation itself can be used to recharge any USB device, including USB headphones, any smartphone, and more.

Today Apple revealed a newly redesigned iPad Pro for 2018 with no home button and USB-C on its bottom. The Apple Pencil magnetically sticks to its side, and there's a giant camera on its back. This iPad Pro comes with some rather interesting sharper edges than previous iPads, and it's got an LCD up front that covers more of the front side than any iPad before - there's still a bezel, but it's smaller than it's been in the past.

The European Union seems ready to flex its muscles to steer the mobile market ship, perhaps emboldened by its successful case against Google and Android. This time, it’s turning its sights on something it already thought was a closed case years ago: mobile phone chargers. Despite the growing use of the USB-C standard on smartphones, the EU thinks that the adoption is not only slow but also not enough. And considering that Apple remains the only one with a proprietary connector, its Lightning technology stands to lose the most.

Mophie has a new range of Powerstation external batteries that can recharge via Apple Lightning, cutting down the number of power adapters iPhone users need to carry. Four new Mophie Powerstations are being launched today, with batteries running the gamut from 20 hours more runtime for your iPhone X, though to more than 18 hours for a thirsty iPad.

Belkin has launched a new power bank that charges using a Lightning, rather than USB, port. The device is marketed directly at iPhone and iPad owners who likely already carry a Lightning cable around but don't want to add a USB cable into the mix. According to Belkin, this is the first power bank of its kind to recharge with the Lightning connector.

The next version of the iPhone will probably have a Lightning USB cord with USB-C on the other end - but after that? Imagine a world without cords. Now that we've got the ability to transmit power from one device to the other without cords, with wireless charging pads, what's left for reasons to keep cords at all? Surely only speed - since we can also transfer all the data we'd like with technologies like Bluetooth.

Apple's iPhone could be in for a big change next year. Rumor has it that Apple is considering switching its iPhone lineup from Lightning to USB-C for charging. We've heard whispers about the future of Lightning before, of course, but Apple's decision to go all-in on USB-C with its MacBooks further lends credibility to the claim that iPhone will follow suit.